Monday, 13 July 2009

Atheist Ireland, which is leading the fight against Ireland's new blashemy law, held its first AGM on Saturday, and those in attendance voted to put out a blasphemous statement to test the law within days.

At the meeting a message of support was read out from Richard Dawkins, who warned that a medieval blasphemy law will damage Ireland's 21st century reputation:

“One of the world’s most beautiful and best-loved countries, Ireland has recently become one of the most respected as well: dynamic, go-ahead, modern, civilised – a green and pleasant silicon valley. This preposterous blasphemy law puts all that respect at risk. It is a wretched, backward, uncivilised regression to the middle ages. Who was the bright spark who thought to besmirch the revered name of Ireland by proposing anything so stupid?”

Atheist Ireland say they are finalising the wording of the statement, which will be done in the next few days. You can stay up to date at their blasphemy website, or by joining this Facebook group.

Update: In the meantime, Irish Independent columnist Ian O'Doherty does a nice job testing the new law with a blasphemous statement of his own - Catholics, Jews, Muslims and Scientologists all included.